The Game Changer made a successful transition to hurdling when winning the opener in Cork for Charlie Swan and Davy Russell.

The four-year-old gelding proved popular with betting ring punters who took the 15/8 and all prices down to 11/8 on the favourite.

Davy Russell had him in front coming to the sixth. Daneking and Katie T were the only rivals who were placed to throw down the gauntlet, however, the pair couldn’t pass The Game Changer who won by a length and three parts.

The winner was untidy at the last two flights, but Katie T made a worse mistake at the final hurdle which cost her second place and the opportunity to challenge the leader.

Daneking, uneasy at 6/4 from 9/10, kept on for second a short head in front of Katie T (13/2). The front three were well clear as it was nine lengths back to Allied Victory in fourth.

Charlie Swan said: “It was a messy type of a race and he’s the type of horse who shouldn’t be in front too long, but it wasn’t Davy’s fault as it was a slow gallop. He has to come late but he learned something.

“He’s a funny horse at home. He’s gawky and always looking at things when in front. He would have needed the run today. We’ll keep it low-key for now and find a winners of one somewhere.”

The Game Changer had won a bumper in Thurles in March before being brought down in the Goff Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown in April.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes